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History of Magic was incredibly dull, and during class, the entire classroom was on the verge of falling asleep until the bell for the end of class rang, and everyone regained their energy.
During the time before dinner, Albert prepared to write back to others. Keeping in touch with those famous wizards had its benefits—it accelerated his learning and understanding of certain fields. However, the cost was spending a considerable amount of time and effort writing back.
After all, they were all professionals, and most of the content in the letters were about academic questions or their perspectives on certain fields.
Honestly, such a letter was much more prestigious than submitting articles to academic journals, although its content might not be as formal.
But no one really cared about this matter; for them, as long as they could convey their ideas clearly, it was enough.
Albert often brought up his doubts and novel viewpoints in his letters, and if the other party knew, they would be willing to help with explanations and discussions.
Albert was dining alone in the Great Hall. Fred and George had gone to participate in the Quidditch player selection, and Lee Jordan went to support them while also watching the selection process.
After finishing dinner, Albert first returned to the Gryffindor common room to put his backpack away before showing up in front of the stone guardian at the entrance to the Headmaster's office before 7 PM.
"Acromantula venom," Albert said the password to the stone guardian.
The stone guardian suddenly came to life, jumping aside and revealing the hidden opening.
Albert passed through the gap in the wall, stepped onto the spiral stone staircase, and the guardian sealed the gap again. The stone staircase began to slowly ascend, carrying him to a wooden door with a brass doorknob.
"Is this like a magical elevator?" Albert couldn't help muttering as he took out his pocket watch, checked the time, and knocked on the wooden door of Dumbledore's office right on schedule.
In the next moment, the door to the office opened.
"Good evening, Headmaster," Albert nodded slightly to Dumbledore.
"Come in, Mr. Anderson," Dumbledore smiled.
This was Albert's first time in the Headmaster's office. Inside was a circular room with portraits of all the former Hogwarts headmasters hanging on the walls, and the portraits were pretending to be asleep.
Albert wasn't the only visitor in this office, which was not unexpected.
Hector Dagworth-Granger arrived early.
"Hector told me that there was a little misunderstanding between you two," Dumbledore said to Albert with a smile, "He hopes to sit down and chat with you calmly. Do you mind?"
"Yes, just a little misunderstanding," Albert nodded and said, "I also hope this matter can be resolved smoothly."
"That's really good," Dumbledore asked cheerfully, "Would you like something to drink?"
"No, thanks. After all, he is a master alchemist," Albert's tone was calm, but Dumbledore couldn't help raising an eyebrow, obviously sensing the implication in Albert's words.
Hector Dagworth-Granger was a master alchemist.
Who knew if he would slip something into the drink?
"Forget it then," Dumbledore said, glancing at the silent Hector. The outcome of this meeting didn't seem very optimistic.
The relationship between the two parties had deteriorated beyond what Hector described as not very friendly.
"I went to the Ministry of Magic two days ago," Hector finally spoke, "I tried to discuss the matter with the other party, but that short and fat ugly woman simply refused to admit her mistake or apologize."
"I suddenly couldn't hear," Dumbledore pretended not to hear Hector's words.
"That's a shame," Albert shrugged, but there was no trace of regret on his expressionless face.
"Five hundred, no, a thousand galleons," Hector offered his price, "I really can't do anything about it with the Ministry."
"Why don't you try bribing the other party?" Albert asked curiously.
"I would rather give you this money than give it to that annoying ugly woman," Hector's face showed a disgusted expression, obviously having no goodwill towards the woman he referred to, "Ten thousand galleons, return the Gold Card to me."
"I see," Albert nodded, "Ten thousand galleons, and I'll return the card to you."
"Ten thousand galleons, are you insane? This is outright extortion," Hector's face turned red in an instant, almost laughing at Albert's words. He felt that he had shown enough sincerity.
"Yes, I am extorting you now," Albert directly admitted.
This statement made Hector feel heartache, and even Dumbledore couldn't help raising his eyebrows. Neither of them expected Albert to be so straightforward in admitting it.
"Mr. Anderson, what would make you willing to return the Gold Card to Hector?" Dumbledore interjected.
"It's simple. Dagworth-Granger must resolve the trouble he caused on his own, and the Director of Improper Use of Magic will personally apologize to me in writing," Albert stated his conditions and turned to Dumbledore, spreading his hands helplessly, saying, "I think my demands are not unreasonable, Headmaster."
"It does seem so," Dumbledore admitted that Albert's approach was not a problem; he couldn't find any faults, making him feel that Hector was deliberately looking for trouble.
"Some situations cannot be resolved with reason," Hector said in frustration.
"I know, that's why I didn't try to reason with you. I'm threatening you now," Albert said the word 'threatening' as casually as discussing what to eat for dinner.
"Mr. Anderson..." Dumbledore knew this was the only way now. Unless Hector fulfilled the not too unreasonable request, he wouldn't be able to get the Gold Card back.
"I understand your point, Professor Dumbledore. Unfortunately, I don't see any sincerity from Dagworth-Granger," Albert's voice remained calm, but that calmness made Hector deeply uneasy. "In my view, respect is mutual. Since Dagworth-Granger doesn't give me any respect, why should I show him any?"
Dumbledore was greatly surprised. While he had a good impression of Albert, he never expected this young boy to have such a tough side to him.
"I already told you I went to the Office of Improper Use of Magic, but that short and fat woman just wouldn't agree or apologize. I can't do anything about it," Hector gradually calmed down.
"Then use a special approach," Albert suggested.
"A special approach?" Hector repeated.
"If the Director of the Office of Improper Use of Magic won't apologize for her mistake, have the new director apologize instead," Albert said calmly. "You can publish an apology article in the Daily Prophet, blaming all the faults on the Director of the Office of Improper Use of Magic. After all, it was the Ministry's fault, and it was the Director of the Office of Improper Use of Magic's fault. If you don't know how to handle it, I can recommend a reporter who's skilled at this. You can pay her a little galleon as a fee."
Both Hector and Dumbledore were left wide-eyed, astonished by Albert's proposal.
"Don't look at me like that; I'm just stating the truth," Albert shrugged. "Of course, I don't want Ministry personnel showing up near my home afterward. Honestly, I've never doubted the behavior of the Ministry's people."
Hector suddenly felt a chill.
The young boy in front of him was just stating the facts, but those calmly spoken words made Hector feel extremely uncomfortable. He even thought that if he used a tougher approach, perhaps, the other party had already figured out how to deal with him.
As he said, it was just the truth.
A terrifying truth.
"I know what to do now," Hector fell silent for a long time, nodding. "Although I don't understand why you want that damn apology letter, I think you'll receive a personal apology from the Director of the Office of Improper Use of Magic soon."
"Do you want to know why I want it?" Albert squinted at Hector, then turned to look at Dumbledore.
The latter seemed very interested.
Hector also nodded.
"This matter is not my fault, so why should I suffer the consequences for the Ministry's mistake?" Albert questioned back.
Hector opened his mouth but couldn't say anything.
"Admit the mistake and apologize. This is the cheapest and most peaceful way to resolve it," Albert said disdainfully. "My family always told me that when others refuse to resolve the issue peacefully, there's no need to be polite. Just go ahead and give them a punch, and they'll willingly come to a peaceful resolution."
Neither Dumbledore nor Hector found any problem with Albert's family upbringing. After all, he was still willing to resolve the issue peacefully.
But, having this happen to Hector made him feel extremely troubled. He found himself to be the unlucky one who got punched.
"Why don't you want the galleons? One thousand galleons is a considerable sum for anyone," Hector relaxed after being reassured, sitting down to talk amicably with Albert.
Just as Albert said, you give me respect, and I'll give you respect.
"Knowledge is the greatest wealth of mankind," Albert replied without hesitation.
Hector was taken aback for a moment but listened as Albert continued, "This means that knowledge is equivalent to wealth. As long as you have enough knowledge and find the appropriate method, you can quickly convert it into wealth."
Hector was left speechless, feeling that the argument was far-fetched. However, he knew that he had been convinced by the other person.
Albert was an expert in magical texts, which meant that his words were also a sign of his confidence.
"Now I understand why Brod liked you. He indeed has a way of seeing people that I cannot compare with," Hector sighed, extending his hand to Albert. "I'll resolve this matter soon. If you're interested in potions or have any questions, you can write to me."
"If I have any, I'll write to you, Mr. Dagworth-Granger," Albert nodded.
"If you're dissatisfied with the Ministry, you can take care of it yourself. I believe with your talent, you could become the Minister of Magic within thirty years at the latest," Hector said before leaving. "Brod's circle is even broader than you think."
"I'm not interested in those things," Albert replied.
"That's a pity!" Hector disappeared into the fireplace.
"It seems this matter is perfectly resolved," Dumbledore smiled as he looked at Albert. "I bet Phileas will be disappointed that you didn't choose Ravenclaw."
"Besides Ravenclaw, all the other houses suit me," Albert replied, then turned and left.
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